Become an Orientation Leader!

Do you want to welcome new students to campus? Do you want to become a better leader? Show off your love for Geneseo and apply to be an Orientation Leader! 

Information Sessions

TBD! Check back here for updates.

Application available now! Apply today!

The Orientation Leader (OL) role is crucial in assisting new students in their transition to Geneseo and creating a sense of belonging. Often being one of the first connections a new student makes at Geneseo, Orientation Leaders positively impact the new student experience and represent the Geneseo community. Orientation Leaders are role models who also serve as peer mentors and sources of support and information. An Orientation Leader displays an energetic and positive attitude while facilitating large and small group discussions about campus life, academics, College resources and the community. 

Responsibilities and Duties of Orientation Leaders

  • Serve as a positive role model for new students.
  • Facilitate and effectively lead discussion/team building activities with groups of new students. 
  • Assist in the preparation and execution of orientation/Weeks of Welcome /Geneseo Late Knight activities and materials, including but not limited to, orientation prep, escorting students/families and guests around campus, participation in meals and evening activities, and other duties as assigned.
  • Hold 2-3 office hour sessions throughout the summer for new students to ask questions and connect with other students.
  • Develop and execute programs tailored to new students.
  • Educate new students on academic opportunities and procedures.
  • Acquaint new students with campus services and building locations.
  • Encourage new students to fully participate in the Geneseo community.
  • Assist with directing students on campus and acclimating new students with the campus layout.
  • Reports to the Student Orientation Coordinators and Student Life staff.
  • Maintain a professional and positive relationship with all Orientation staff members, including but not limited to SOCs, Professional Staff, Orientation Leaders, and other campus leaders.
     

*In addition to the above responsibilities, several Orientation Leaders may be asked to serve as Teaching Assistants to the First-Year Seminar Class in Fall 2025.*

Timeline:

Spring

  • Attend training sessions at the end of the spring semester.

Pre-Orientation (Summer)

  • Attend virtual check-ins with professional staff and Student Orientation Coordinators from June to August 2025.
  • Attend virtual summer trainings.
  • Complete Brightspace training modules.
  • Connect with student groups. 
  • Hold 2-3 office hours sessions with other OLs.
  • Send emails to students regarding the Brightspace course and other important updates.

Fall Orientation

  • Attend a week-long in person training session in August.
  • Serve as peer mentor for new students.
  • Facilitate small and large group discussions (in person and virtually) on campus life, academics, and the community.
  • Participate in all days and events of orientation. 
  • Assist with move-in procedures as needed.

September 2025

  • Serve as a peer mentor for new students.
  • Develop and execute a connection program for students in collaboration with the Coordinator for Student Life Programs and Orientation.
  • Send emails or GroupMe communications to connect students to new opportunities.
  • Attend staff meetings with orientation staff.
  • *Optional: Serve as a teaching assistant for the First-Year Seminar.

January Orientation (if requested)

  • Attend a training session in January.
  • Serve as peer advisor for new students.
  • Facilitate small and large group discussions (in person and virtually) on campus life, academics, and the community.
  • Participate in all days and events of orientation.

Qualifications and Skills

  • Exhibits a passion for Geneseo and making connections
  • Demonstrates a positive, adaptable, and professional work ethic
  • Has excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Campus or community involvement (i.e. service, extra-curricular activities, etc.)
  • Punctual, dependable and takes initiative
  • Mature, responsible, and display a willingness to assist students in transitioning to college 
  • Team player
  • Flexibility and ability to think on your feet
  • Public speaking skills
  • Ability to promote belonging
  • Ability to work with diverse students, parents, faculty, and staff
  • Present a positive and professional demeanor that favorably represents Geneseo and the Department of Student Life
  • Desire to be a leader and role-model, including on-campus, online and in the community
  • Ability to work in a fast-pace, high pressure environment
  • Most importantly, must love to work hard and have fun!

Eligibility Requirements

  • Orientation Leaders must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 throughout their employment term.
  • Orientation Leaders must be in good conduct standing and not have current conduct sanctions.
  • Campus leadership conflicts that preclude students from becoming an OL:
    • Resident Assistant - OLs may not serve as a resident assistant during their employment term due to training conflicts.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to develop leadership skills such as group facilitation, organization, public speaking, problem solving, and team building
  • Connections with faculty, staff, and peers that often lead to other opportunities on campus
  • Serve as a role model while assisting in the transition and retention of new students
  • Great resume builder
  • Develop great friendships
  • Participate in fun and engaging staff bonding.
  • Early move-in for on-campus residential OLs 
  • Certain meals during in person training and orientation sessions
  • Orientation Leader apparel
     

Time Commitment

  • Orientation Leaders must attend various spring training sessions in April, May, June and July. Specific dates to be determined. In August OLs will be expected to communicate with their Orientation Group. During Orientation, OLs are expected to be present at all Orientation and new student related activities. 
  • Following Orientation, OLs will continue to foster connections with and among new students until the end of September. 

Compensation

$900 with the possibility of additional compensation for involvement in January 2026 Orientation.

Application

https://forms.gle/tiySUgXjHGKiDsLD7

Interview Process

Once applications are reviewed, the Orientation Lead Team will reach out to schedule a 20 minute interview. 

The final step of the interview process will be group interviews, which will be conducted after spring break. The Orientation Lead Team will reach out with more information after your individual interview is conducted.

Contact Information

Department of Student Life & Orientation
Email: Orientation@Geneseo.edu
Phone: 585-245-5852

Orientation Professional Staff

Chip Matthews
Director of Student Life
College Union 306
matthewsc@geneseo.edu
585-245-5926

Kristina Barsema
Associate Director of Student Life
College Union 305
barsema@geneseo.edu
585-245-5150

Cara Dolan
Coordinator of Student Life Programs and Orientation
College Union 304
cdolan@geneseo.edu 
585-245-6175

Student Orientation Coordinators

Jillian Draper
College Union 331
orientation@geneseo.edu
585-245-5852

Chantal Martinez
College Union 331
orientation@geneseo.edu 
585-245-5852

For questions and concerns, please contact the Orientation Leadership Team by email: Orientation@geneseo.edu